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Barska optics and optics in general

I already have a set of the Tasco collapsible 10x binoculars, they're nice, but I can't see .30cal bullet holes in a white paper plate at 100 yards with them.

The flip side of that is the areas I hunt are mostly forested mountain with occasional meadows (anybody who's hunted in the Sequoia NF knows the kind of terrain I'm talking about).

So, while I definitely see the advantage of a spotting scope, I'm on the fence about how much I can justify spending on one just based on what I see as the relatively limited utility where I'm hunting.

I've heard of the Barskas before and they seem to be decent optics - definitely not high end, but don't seem to be Harbor Freight Chinese quality either - and they have some decently priced pieces.

Thoughts, opinions?

Ah, the nostalgic aroma of a yak dung stove brewing up some tea full of herbs best left untranslated.
From the Zen Backpacking Site

I have made the mistake and picked up a Barska rifle scope for my wife's 270. As soon as she looked into my Leupold on my gun and then back to hers needless to say she now also has Leupold. The glass is very poor and clarity does not hold a candle to Leupold.

One lesson I've learned the hard way is to never buy cheap glass or boots. If price is a concern, I think you'd be better off trying to find used good glass instead of new cheap glass. Your local craigslist, online auctions, etc. can usually turn up good glass at reasonble prices. Heed the advice of BB and IKC above, they know their stuff.

When i first bought binos i went with Barska because I didn't know any better, or do any research . The first day in the field i had such a bad headache and my eyes were strained really bad. After that day they went straight in the trash. In my opinion you should save up and get better quality